‘Why doesn’t everyone do it?’: Sam Newman’s latest act leaves eventgoers stunned
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Public figures often find themselves in the spotlight, especially when their actions challenge societal norms and expectations.
A recent incident at a high-profile event has left attendees stunned and sparked heated discussions about respect and cultural sensitivity.
What unfolded during the ceremony has since become a focal point of controversy, raising questions about accountability and intention.
Sam Newman has been accused of disrespect during an Acknowledgement of Country at an Australia Day event in Victoria.
The former Footy Show host and AFL figure attended the function at Government House on Wednesday, where Victorian Governor Margaret Gardner delivered the Acknowledgement of Country.
Witnesses claimed Newman turned his back on the speech and began walking towards the exit.
By the time the governor had finished her address, Newman returned to his seat.
During the remainder of the governor’s speech, Newman reportedly faced away from the stage and appeared to be taking photos of his companion, Sue Stanley.
A guest in attendance stated that Newman was the only person among the hundreds present who did not watch the governor’s address.
Newman has been contacted for comment regarding the incident.
Newman is no stranger to controversy, particularly regarding his remarks about Indigenous culture.
In September 2024, he urged Australians to boo the Welcome to Country ceremony at the AFL grand final.
Earlier in January, Newman criticised a dedicated Telstra hotline for Indigenous customers during his podcast, You Cannot Be Serious.
His co-host recounted a story about a non-Indigenous woman who allegedly claimed Indigenous heritage to skip the queue, to which Newman responded: ‘Why doesn’t everyone do it? Indigenous people - why do they get through while the rest of us wait in line?’
‘This will get to - you’ll go to a film, and there’ll be a queue for Caucasian people. And over here, there’ll be a queue for anyone whose skin colour is not white.’
Telstra denied the allegations, stating: ‘Telstra’s First Nations Connect Hotline is supported by a small dedicated team to service our most remote customers.
‘It also provides culturally appropriate customer service to our First Nations customers.’
In the past, Newman has made headlines for his outspoken views.
In 2018, he shared that he considered running for Lord Mayor of Melbourne, proposing to tackle homelessness, clean up graffiti, and oppose what he described as minority group agendas.
‘We get bogged down with delusional psychotic anarchists who push all sorts of agendas because they have a point to plead and usually the general interest of the community is thrown under the bus,’ Newman said.
‘I’m sure that the majority of people are worried about the homeless in the CBD, the graffiti, [and councils] using motorists as a tool to balance the budget.’
Watch his response in the video below.
Do moments like these reflect a broader societal issue? Are they simply isolated incidents of personal choice?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
A recent incident at a high-profile event has left attendees stunned and sparked heated discussions about respect and cultural sensitivity.
What unfolded during the ceremony has since become a focal point of controversy, raising questions about accountability and intention.
Sam Newman has been accused of disrespect during an Acknowledgement of Country at an Australia Day event in Victoria.
The former Footy Show host and AFL figure attended the function at Government House on Wednesday, where Victorian Governor Margaret Gardner delivered the Acknowledgement of Country.
Witnesses claimed Newman turned his back on the speech and began walking towards the exit.
By the time the governor had finished her address, Newman returned to his seat.
During the remainder of the governor’s speech, Newman reportedly faced away from the stage and appeared to be taking photos of his companion, Sue Stanley.
A guest in attendance stated that Newman was the only person among the hundreds present who did not watch the governor’s address.
Newman has been contacted for comment regarding the incident.
Newman is no stranger to controversy, particularly regarding his remarks about Indigenous culture.
In September 2024, he urged Australians to boo the Welcome to Country ceremony at the AFL grand final.
Earlier in January, Newman criticised a dedicated Telstra hotline for Indigenous customers during his podcast, You Cannot Be Serious.
His co-host recounted a story about a non-Indigenous woman who allegedly claimed Indigenous heritage to skip the queue, to which Newman responded: ‘Why doesn’t everyone do it? Indigenous people - why do they get through while the rest of us wait in line?’
‘This will get to - you’ll go to a film, and there’ll be a queue for Caucasian people. And over here, there’ll be a queue for anyone whose skin colour is not white.’
Telstra denied the allegations, stating: ‘Telstra’s First Nations Connect Hotline is supported by a small dedicated team to service our most remote customers.
‘It also provides culturally appropriate customer service to our First Nations customers.’
In the past, Newman has made headlines for his outspoken views.
In 2018, he shared that he considered running for Lord Mayor of Melbourne, proposing to tackle homelessness, clean up graffiti, and oppose what he described as minority group agendas.
‘We get bogged down with delusional psychotic anarchists who push all sorts of agendas because they have a point to plead and usually the general interest of the community is thrown under the bus,’ Newman said.
‘I’m sure that the majority of people are worried about the homeless in the CBD, the graffiti, [and councils] using motorists as a tool to balance the budget.’
Watch his response in the video below.
Do moments like these reflect a broader societal issue? Are they simply isolated incidents of personal choice?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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